Hello from Kimberley, B.C., Canada.

[Tcamp]

Hi, I'm Todd and my car is a 1973 124. I acquired the car almost a year ago after it had been left in the elements for years. It was in a sad state both mechanically and cosmetically. I have always loved these cars and this was the first one I had seen in person. After 100's of hours of tough labour and researching every night (most of which was done using this forum), it turned into fun and is the coolest project I have ever done. Used olive wood to remake the original wood dash console glove box. Looking forward to contributing to this forum in the future.

These Italian roadsters are assolutamente fantastico!

Cheers!
Todd.

FYI Ralf
Serial # is 124CS0067735

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[Tcamp]

I tried several times to upload photos but no luck. Can anybody help with info on doing this?

Thanks,
Todd.

[dinghyguy]

Hi Todd,
welcome and enjoy the great people on the forum

Dinghyguy in N Van.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Very nice, Todd. I like the spider shift knob!

Note that you can view the photos by using the URL function (the IMG one doesn't appear to work):

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-Bryan

[Tcamp]

Thanks Bryan. I have read many of your posts and used the info for building our car. I'm going to get the car on the spider registry tonight I hope. I upgraded to electronic ignition and also an electric choke with new carb etc. The little spider has consumed my life in a good way since last March.

Todd.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

The little spider has consumed my life in a good way since last March.

They have a tendency to do that! Any "before" pictures that you could share?

-Bryan

[Tcamp]

I will try and post some before pics of the car - still learning to do this. I am a mechanic but this was nothing like what I do so it was crazy but fun. The car had an owners manual with a wiring diagram that was priceless to me the whole way. My first try at this unit was something else. My family said I'm going to need counselling lol. After thinking how basic this was going to be, I ran into dual points that had no spark with choke cable out, wiring diagram calls this a choke switch for relay 24, etc?? Then poor and loose wires at this thing they call inspection light receptor causing intermittent electrical grief! Then no charge from alternator. Then carb issues. The head gasket leaking. After three or four days of this, my daughter said - Dad, you look like you have been in a car accident. After a family meeting, I got permission to continue if I quit swearing and ignoring them. Well, I quit swearing and got it to run. Then I found fiatspider.com, Vick's, AR, MB and my problems turned to fun and excitement. Recapped dash and console - never seen or done anything like this but it turned out great. Sorry to vent and be long-winded but we had a cheer in my shop to how the car turned out. What an honour. How many people get to redo, rebuild and bring back to life a cooooooooool Italian sports car?

Assolutamente fantastico.
Todd.

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[18Fiatsandcounting]

Great story! I had to smile because I bought my '71 spider in the late 1980s for $175 and my frustrations were probably similar to yours. It was, shall we say, "not in the greatest of condition".

These were cheap sports cars back in the late 1960s / early 1970s, and few people maintained them with the purpose of keeping them around until the 2020s. That's our job!

-Bryan

[Pescado]

Wow what a great story and awesome car man…this is a great hobby and I love ready these threads, so satisfying to work on these cars…cheers and welcome.

[seawood]

Hi Todd.
Been a while since I've been here but thought I'd check in and see what's happening and any new members from BC.
Car looks amazing, terrific work.
Pretty soon I suspect you will be heading out on the local roads.. I took the high road over one year from Grey Creek FSR, but in an SUV.
Cheers for now.
Chris in Naramata..

[Tcamp]

Hi Chris - we just walked in the house from the shop putting our new upholstered seats together for the spider. Painful job! We use the gray Creek Pass all the time to get to our place in Riondel. We are taking our car to Kaslo in May for a car show, we have never laid eyes on another one - nervous and excited. Cool to have another BC connection! Maybe see u on a cruise or at a show!
Cheers!
Todd.

Nelson car show is cool as well.

[seawood]

I might just check that out... bit of a drive perhaps, Nelson is about 4 hours from here. We love Kaslo, spent a number of weekends there. Stayed there numerous times while heli-logging in the area as well. Always wanted to drive the Kaslo to New Denver road in the Fiat.
Had a knee replacement recently so when I figure I can deal with getting into the low car and the clutch, get Insurance and we're off...